There are few modern day Batman fans that don’t point to Michael Keaton’s role in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992) as being one of if not the best to play Batman.
So, it’s reasonable that fans were looking forward to the 70 year old actor returning to the role, albeit the question on if it would be the same character or another one remains since his new role would be in the DC expanded universe and where his previous portrayals fall.
But that question may not be answered as his return is in doubt now that Warner Bros. Discovery is streamlining their DC universe production.
Did Batgirl cancel Batman?
With Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s decision to cancel Batgirl reportedly because of its low budget, rough test screening, protecting the DC brand, not having a future story in the DC universe, and tax breaks that allow the movie to be written off.
The latter seems like a bigger reason than expected as there have been reports Warner Bros. Discovery are cutting costs everywhere and other shows outside the DC universe are in danger. We’ll see how true this rumor is as time goes on.
Zaslav reportedly only wants the best possible product to come out for DC, which lends credence to budgetary concerns.
Cancelling Batgirl had larger consequences than many of us expected as it also removes the return of Michael Keaton in a role we expected to be similar to Batman Beyond where he passes on his knowledge to a new generation.
This news followed Jason Mamoa’s confirmation that Ben Affleck is returning as Batman in Aquaman 2 instead of Keaton as was the original plan.
More changes
Michael Keaton and Batgirl aren’t the only changes as Zaslav also cancelled DC’s CW series with The Flash ending after season 9 and Wonder Twins being cancelled as they were about to start filming.
Zaslov reportedly wants to shift the DC film universe to focus on Superman, which means Sasha Calle’s Supergirl movie is also in doubt as she was expected to take Superman’s spot.
IN addition to those moves and possibilities, the release dates for Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom could change once more.
With DC getting it wrong more than not over the last ten years while Marvel’s hit the motherload by making every film an exciting event, we’re curious how this will all play out.
Will DC become a superhero powerhouse again, or will they continue their decade long trend? Let us know in the comments below.
For any other soap opera and entertainment news, please visit again Daily Soap Dish.
